Reasons for Procedure

Some ureters are not positioned correctly in the bladder. This can make it difficult for urine to flow into the bladder. Ureteral reimplantation may be done to reposition ureters that:

Are causing urine to flow back into the ureters and kidneys—known as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

Were damaged due to trauma or surgery

Possible Complications

If you are having this procedure, the doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:

Excess bleeding

Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Infection

Soreness in throat

Nausea and vomiting

Bladder spasms

Cramping

Difficulty urinating

Talk to the doctor about these risks before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The doctor may need pictures of your urinary tract.

Blood and urine tests may be done. These test will show how well the kidneys are working.

Talk to the doctor about any medications you are taking:

Do not take any new medications, herbs, or supplements without talking to the doctor.

You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.

Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.

The night before surgery, you should eat a light meal. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by the doctor.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia may be used. It will be given through a vein in the arm or hand. You will be asleep through the procedure.

A spinal block may be used. This is an anesthesia injected into the spine. It will block pain below your waist.

Description of the Procedure

A few small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Specialized tools will be inserted through the incisions. A series of incisions and stitches will be used to realign the ureter. The method used will be based on your specific condition.

After the tools are removed, the incisions in the abdomen will be closed with stitches. Bandages may be placed over the incisions.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation.

How Long Will It Take?

2 to 3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. There may be some pain as you recover. You may also have some cramping in your bladder. You will be given medication to help manage any discomfort.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 2 days. You may need to stay longer if there are complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will receive fluids and medicines through an IV.

Urine will drain through the tube into a bag. The urine may have blood in it for the first few days.

At Home

When you return home, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Difficulty urinating

Excess bleeding

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Pus or bad smelling fluids draining from the incision site

Redness or swelling at the incision site

Urine that smells bad

Pain that cannot be controlled with the medications the doctor prescribed

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications the doctor prescribed

If you think you are having an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.